How Does Cisco Work?

Cisco Systems Inc.

Cisco is a reference to Cisco Systems Inc. Cisco Systems is a leader in manufacturing network hardware used in computer networks. The company's specialty is making network connectors--routers, bridges and switches. They also design technologies and services for Internet communication. Cisco is known for network products that support more than one protocol. Protocols are standards or sets of instructions that regulate or enable a communication--data transfer or connection--between two points (sender and receiver). While Cisco does not write protocols, its products use them to communicate.

Hardware And Software

Cisco produces not only hardware products including broadband cable modems, switches and routers but it provides numerous software applications and services to enable further levels of communication beyond connection. Unified computing, data center management and video conferencing solutions are also part of Cisco's portfolio. Cisco designs for small, medium and large enterprises. Service providers have a separate category of products designed to manage larger flows of Internet and intranet communications including content delivery systems and network monitoring and management tools.

Cisco Product Documentation

Cisco provides revised and new documentation for its products right from its website. Users and customers are asked for their opinions about the documentation. This happens directly from the document update page. Ratings on quality and whether the document solved the customer's issue are requested. In addition, customers can add suggestions for improving documentation. Cisco's main support page offers further assistance with troubleshooting, installations and upgrades. Information can be viewed by task or product type. An area for collaborating with other Cisco customers and product users is provided in the form of a wiki application, also available from the main support page.

Cisco Training

Cisco Systems Inc. has numerous possibilities for customers to learn about its products and how they work. One of its better-known tools is its certification platform. Broken down by categories--Expert, Professional, Associate and Specialist--Cisco certification programs are taught all over the world. Certifications allow employers to have a better understanding of the actual level of knowledge employees have regarding Cisco. Specialist certifications include those for data center support, sales, design and networking positions.

Cisco Residential VOIP Service

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) communications is not a new technology for Cisco but creating products for the residential VOIP user is. Cisco is typically used in business networking platforms and not in homes. Through acquisition, Cisco has begun to establish a foothold in residential cable equipment with the purchase of Scientific Atlanta. Scientific Atlanta has provided equipment to Time Warner, Rogers Communication and other cable providers.